Stories by Evan Garcia
What's the Purpose of Presidential Libraries?
| Evan Garcia
Chicago is fighting for the winning bid of President Barack Obama's presidential library and museum. These institutions were originally created to provide access to presidential records, but author Anthony Clark argues they've become platforms for a president to promote his legacy, not accurately exhibit history.
Urban Warriors
| Brandis Friedman
As a part of its Youth Safety and Violence Prevention program, the YMCA of Metro Chicago has launched the Urban Warriors program. The unique program brings together post-9/11 combat veterans with teens from some of Chicago's tougher neighborhoods for mentoring and bonding over their shared experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ald. Lona Lane Faces Stiff Challenge
18th Ward Aldermanic Runoff Forum
| Nick Blumberg
In February's election, challenger Derrick Curtis had a slight advantage over incumbent Ald. Lona Lane, though neither received a majority of the vote. The two will face off in next month's runoff election, and Chicago Tonight will host a forum to discuss the issues facing the 18th Ward.
Ask Geoffrey: Chicago’s ‘Miracle House’
| Erica Gunderson
Geoffrey Baer tours a Miracle House, swings by a bobtail swing bridge, and makes some noise at a silent film studio in this week's edition of Ask Geoffrey.
U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock Resigns
| Paris Schutz
U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock announced he will resign March 31. The announcement comes after multiple stories of questionable spending of taxpayer and campaign funds by the congressman.
Springfield News with Amanda Vinicky
| Crystin Immel
We discuss the progress being made on closing this year’s budget gap and Gov. Bruce Rauner’s proposed Fiscal Year 2016 budget, as well as how the governor is settling into his role with Chicago Tonight Springfield reporter Amanda Vinicky.
Analyzing the Mayoral Candidates Financial Plans
| Paul Caine
With Mayor Rahm Emanuel and challenger Jesús "Chuy" García offering competing views on how to fix the city's finances, our panel looks at the proposals put forward to fix the city's looming crises.
Runoff for Foulkes in New Ward
16th Ward Aldermanic Runoff Forum
| Alexandra Silets
Ald. Toni Foulkes was mapped out of her 15th ward and decided to run for alderman in the 16th ward. She now faces Stephanie Coleman in a runoff.
The Irish Republican Murder that Shocked Chicago
| Nick Blumberg
Author Gillian O'Brien joins us to discuss her book Blood Runs Green, a non-fiction account of the largely forgotten murder of a prominent Irish-American doctor who was also the member of a secretive Irish Republican organization.
Hedy Weiss: Theater Reviews
| Marc Vitali
Chicago Sun-Times Theater Critic Hedy Weiss reviews the latest from the Goodman Theatre and much more.
Emanuel & García Go Head to Head in First Runoff Debate
Mayoral Candidates Spar Over Finances, Pensions & Crime
| Paris Schutz
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and challenger Jesús "Chuy" García went one-on-one in the first runoff debate Monday. The two hit hard on each other's positions on city finances, crime, and red light cameras.
An Outsider Takes On a Daley in Bridgeport
11th Ward Aldermanic Runoff Forum
| Nick Blumberg
The race for the open seat in Chicago's 11th Ward has gone to a runoff between Patrick Daley Thompson and John Kozlar. Thompson is an attorney and Water Reclamation Commissioner. He's also a nephew of Richard M. Daley and grandson of Richard J. Daley. Kozlar is a law student and neighborhood advocate who ran and lost in the 2011 race. They join us.
Brain Awareness Week
| Paul Caine
It's Brain Awareness Week -- a global campaign designed to highlight the importance of brain research. University of Chicago neuroscientist Peggy Mason is here to enlighten us all. Take a Brain Quiz!
Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 3/13
| WTTW News
On this edition of Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review with Joel Weisman, Mayor Rahm Emanuel goes on the attack in his latest campaign ad. Challenger Jesús "Chuy" García earns key endorsements. The Illinois Supreme Court tackles the legality of the state's pension reform law. And, City Council grants preliminary approval to provide parkland to The University of Chicago if it's the chosen site for the Obama Presidential Library.
Web Extra: The Week in Review: 3/13
| WTTW News
Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the Bears' decision to stick with Jay Cutler as their starting quarterback.
Mayoral Candidates Release Plans for City’s Finances
| Kristen Thometz
Mayoral candidates Rahm Emanuel and Jesús "Chuy" García released their financial plans for the city today. Read their plans.
Lucas Museum Faces Legal Hurdles
| Linda Qiu
The Force is not with George Lucas’ Museum of Narrative Arts. A federal judge ruled today that a lawsuit intended to block construction of the museum on Chicago’s lakefront can move forward.
Weekend Events Around Town: 3/13-3/15
| Linda Qiu
Celebrate Pi with pie at Adler Planetarium; stop and smell the roses at Navy Pier; and see a softer side of the Vikings at The Field Museum. Chicago Tonight has your weekend picks.
Remembering Rev. Willie Barrow
| Eddie Arruza
She was known as "The Little Warrior." Short in stature but a towering force in the civil rights movement, the Rev. Willie T. Barrow died early this morning at age 90. We look back at her long and influential life, and the legacy she leaves behind.
Sandi Jackson's Replacement Faces Challenge
7th Ward Aldermanic Runoff Forum
| Alexandra Silets
The 7th Ward race pitted incumbent Ald. Natashia Holmes against seven challengers. A runoff resulted between Holmes who won 25 percent of the vote and Gregory Mitchell who garnered 20 percent of the vote. We hear from both candidates.
Vikings Invade The Field Museum
| Marc Vitali
The Swedish National Museum brings Vikings -- an exhibition that challenges stereotypes of the Norsemen who lived, traded, and raided a millennium ago -- to The Field Museum. Take our quiz to test your Vikings knowledge!
Illinois Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Pension Overhaul Case
| Evan Garcia
The Illinois Supreme Court heard the first round of oral arguments today over the constitutionality of a pension law that cuts state employees' benefits.
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